Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi

G Adventures · 9 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi
Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi
9 Days
From AUD $594 Was AUD $699
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi

Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi

G Adventures · 9 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Temples, tuk-tuks, and the Taj — oh my! This nine-day adventure through India brings your bucket list to life without breaking the bank. Cruise the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, wander the halls of Agra Fort, and snap that iconic shot of the Taj Mahal.

Includes

Activities

  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Big Night Out Moment: Jaipur Nightlife, Jaipur
  • Orientation walk in Delhi
  • Orientation walk in Pushkar
  • Savitri Temple Sunrise Hike
  • Jaipur Orientation Walk
  • Amber Fort Guided Tour
  • Free time in Jaipur
  • Taj Mahal Guided Tour
  • Free time in Agra
  • Orientation walk in Varanasi
  • Free time in Varanasi
  • Morning Ganges Boat Tour

Accommodation

  • Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (7 nts), sleeper train (1 nt).
  • No meals included

Transport

  • Train, metro, local bus, taxi, rickshaw, walking, tuktuk, overnight train.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Highlights

  • Watch life unfold along the Ganges on a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi
  • Marvel at the Taj Mahal and explore the grand Agra Fort on a guided tour
  • Soak up the vibes of Jaipur and Agra and Varanasi with loads of free time to roam
Northern India on a Budget: The Golden Triangle to Varanasi

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Train, metro, local bus, taxi, rickshaw, walking, tuktuk, overnight train.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Delhi, India

Finishes

Varanasi, India

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Delhi

Welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Arrive in time to meet at 2:00 pm for your welcome meeting and orientation walk.

Embark on an afternoon orientation tour visiting Connaught Place and India Gate for those iconic photos. Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!
Arriving early with a free day in Delhi? Opt to add the "Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi" extra to your tour.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Get a taste of India's capital city through a visit to Connaught Place by metro and a walk to India Gate, a stately memorial built for Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hotel Citi International
2

Day 2: Delhi/Pushkar

Travel by train through the arid terrain to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the "king of pilgrim centres," home to the world's only temple for the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. Get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city visiting the lake, ghats, and of course the 14th century Brahama temple. Spend some time this afternoon exploring the markets or opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothes before partaking in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert while enjoying live entertainment!


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the within the local taxi.Activity - Join an orientation to explore key parts of this desert city, including beautiful lakes and ghats. Visit the famed Brahma temple, meet a local pandit and understand/take part in the ancient ritualsAccommodation - Hotel New Park
3

Day 3: Pushkar/Jaipur

Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert hills. Afterward, travel by train ⁠— always an adventure itself in India ⁠— to the pink city of Jaipur, home to India's second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Enjoy an orientation walk through the market stalls.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Climb a hilltop to get to this temple honouring Savitri, the wife of the Hindu god, Brahma. Witness a gorgeous sunrise over this holy place while drinking a warm cup of chai. Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from within the local taxi.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for local women who once lacked financial opportunities.Activity - Head to the markets of this "Pink City," the capital of Rajasthan, and one of the most important heritage cities in India on this CEO-led orientation walk. Accommodation - Rawla Mrignayani Palace
4

Day 4: Jaipur

Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your bucket list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and get ready for your Big Night Out! Join your crew and CEO and see where the night takes you!
Opt to visit the City Palace with its fine collection of textiles and costumes or admire the mind-boggling architecture of Hawa Mahal. Discover more of the wisdom and history of the Mughals by wandering around the Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 1700's, or opt to sit back and relax if you like - sipping a cocktail in any of the luxuriously converted palaces. Opt to get active by pre-booking a cycle tour or sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking a cooking class with a local family. If you aren't afraid of heights, pre-book a balloon ride to get an aerial view of the pink city.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore this magnificent fort overlooking an artificial lake, famous for its unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details.Free_time - Enjoy some free time.Activity - Venture to a local bar restaurant. Immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife and cheers to new adventures and friends.Accommodation - Rawla Mrignayani Palace
5

Day 5: Jaipur/Āgra

Travel by early morning train to the Mughal city of Agra, site of India's most famous landmark - the Taj Mahal! Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleums unique history as you admire the iconic Mughal architecture.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Here's one to cross off your bucket list: a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Take a guided tour of India's most famous landmark and an icon of Mughal architecture. Built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning white marble structure draws visitors from all over the world.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Hotel Anand Villa
6

Day 6: Āgra/Varanasi

Spend the day getting to know Agra. Opt for a tuk tuk ride to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj's less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, board an overnight train and wake up in Varanasi.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy some free time.Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
7

Day 7: Varanasi

Take an orientation walk along Varanasi's ghats and through the old city. Afterward, opt to explore the temples and take in the spiritual energy of the city.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy free time to explore.Activity - Experience the spiritual energy of Varanasi with a walk through the holy city, filled with temples, shrines and Hindus from all over India and the world. Enjoy views of the sacred River Ganges.Accommodation - Hotel Vaibhav
8

Day 8: Varanasi

This morning, hop on a boat and sail the sacred Ganges River, where you will have the opportunity to witness a candle flower ceremony. Enjoy a free afternoon to uniquely explore the spiritual capital of India. Opt to bathe in the sacred waters or visit Kashi Vishwanath, the Golden Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Varanasi is your oyster!
Pre-book the Varanasi Heritage Walk and enjoy a guided tour that focuses more on the local life in Varanasi and its philosophical and cultural values. Witness pilgrims singing and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Varanasi in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Pre-book the Guided Visit of Sarnath and learn about the life of the Buddha. Discover the archeological ruins of the monastery. Explore the museum at Sarnath and the sacred Maha Bodhi Tree. Visit temples constructed by the buddhist people of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Japan and stop to admire the Buddha statue during the three hours of guided exploration.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Catch the sunrise from a boat cruising the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Witness locals participating in dawn rituals of bathing and burning at the river.Free_time - Enjoy some free time.Accommodation - Hotel Vaibhav
9

Day 9: Varanasi

Depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $699

AUD $594
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard
15% Off

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Temples, tuk-tuks, and the Taj — oh my! This nine-day adventure through India brings your bucket list to life without breaking the bank. Cruise the sacred Ganges in Varanasi, wander the halls of Agra Fort, and snap that iconic shot of the Taj Mahal.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 16 Jun 2026

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990